Frequently Asked Questions
What is textile waste?
A: Textile waste comes in many forms. It can be overstocked, rolled knits or wovens, second quality, canceled orders, shredded textile cuttings or garments, etc.
Does Luna reFab make yarn from textile waste?
A: No. Luna reFab uses textiles and converts them to regenerated textiles from fabric state to fabric state without the use of water, dyes, or chemicals. The time it takes to convert is less than conventional mechanical recycling.
Does Luna reFab use recycled garments?
A: Luna reFab does not use whole garments. We use garments only if they are already shredded. Luna reFab can assist in managing the recycling of garments and garment waste to be shredded.
What does it mean to needle punch?
A: Needle punching is a mechanical, vertical motion using special barbed needles to penetrate through one layer to another layer of textiles, creating one durable layer.
Are there any limitations to fiber content or fabric construction during needle punching?
A: All woven or knit fabrics can be used without the limitation of fiber content.
Where does Luna reFab manufacture?
A: We manufacture in the USA and have plans to manufacture offshore based on demand and preferred countries.
Can Luna reFab use fabrics that are located offshore?
A: Yes. They will need to be shipped to the US for manufacturing.
Is the textile waste used traceable?
A: It can be. If the brand would like to have its cuttings shredded or use its liability fabrics, the supply chain was already vetted by the brand. Luna reFab works with a shredder that will shred and return to Luna reFab based on the customer’s needs.
Is needle punch technology scalable?
A: Yes, depending on the type of the desired textile waste configuration, up to 2,000 pounds and hour.
Where does textile waste come from?
A: It can come from brand or mill storage facilities, shredding companies, or fiber distributors.
Why is it important to divert textile waste from being burned as energy waste or buried in landfills?
A: Textile waste that is both burned or buried in landfills creates greenhouse gas emissions, a direct cause of global warming.
Can Luna reFab help companies meet their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
A: Yes, Luna reFab can help companies meet their SDGs by focusing on people and the
planet.
planet.
How much textile waste is created per year?
A: According to earth.org, some 92 million tons of waste is produced annually worldwide. This translates to about 100 billion garments. Only 1% of garments are recycled in the USA, 12% Globally.
Does the needle punch process make the fabric strength weak?
A: No. If compatible fabrics are used, the fabric weight and strength is actually increased.
Is needle-punched fabric stiff?
A: Only if the customer would like it to be. Drapey, lightweight fabrics can be created.
Is needle-punched fabric washable?
A: Luna reFab can meet requirements of up to 100 times wash cycles. Fabric composites will vary just like fabrics made for initial use.